Rawalpindi: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a comprehensive fire safety survey of high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi after it emerged that only one out of more than 160 such structures in the district fully meets government fire safety standards, officials said.
The directive follows a recent fire incident at a commercial plaza in Karachi, which prompted authorities to review fire preparedness and safety compliance across major urban centres.
According to officials, the survey will assess the availability and condition of essential fire safety measures, including emergency exits, fire hydrants, alarm and detection systems, sprinklers, and evacuation arrangements. Buildings will be evaluated under existing safety grading criteria, and owners will be required to address identified gaps within specified timelines.
Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi District Emergency Officer Sibghat Ullah said the department is equipped with trained firefighting personnel and specialised equipment, and works closely with regulatory authorities to examine fire safety compliance at both the approval and completion stages of high-rise projects.
He added that buildings failing to meet the prescribed standards are being issued notices in phases, with stricter action to follow in cases of continued non-compliance.
Officials said the survey aims to improve public safety, strengthen emergency preparedness, and ensure that high-rise buildings in Rawalpindi comply with fire safety regulations in line with government policy.
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